1/16/18 An Important Message from Nurse Nichoel

We are seeing an increased number of students out with illnesses here at Adams. As we navigate the peak of cold and flu season, and to prevent wide spread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms.

To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines:

Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough

Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

Headache

Mild stomach ache

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:

Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours WITHOUT medication)

Vomiting (even once)

Diarrhea

Chills

General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches

Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough

Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:

Wash hands frequently

Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth

Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin) it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring to school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

I also recommend seeking treatment and a diagnosis if your child has flu-like symptoms. If your child is diagnosed with the flu, please contact the school or me directly.

Thank you in advance for helping make this year at school as healthy as possible.